Model Code of Conduct

The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines that are issued by India’s Election Commission for candidates and political parties during elections. The guidelines are chiefly regarding speeches, polling booths, polling day conduct, election manifestos, processions and conduct in general. The guidelines have been created through the consensus of all political parties who have agreed to follow the regulations. This Code comes into effect as soon as the election schedule is announced by the EC. The model code is required in order to ensure free and fair elections in the country. Mainly, the code seeks to prevent communal clashes and the practice of corruption during the election process. The code prohibits politicians from making hate speeches and announcing new projects that can influence the voter. It also bans them from projecting one community up against another.